House votes to overhaul federal reg process

The House on Thursday approved legislation that would force federal agencies to be more transparent about pending regulations, and make them choose regulatory alternatives that impose the smallest cost possible on companies.

The Achieving Less Excess in Regulation and Requiring Transparency Act, or the ALERRT Act, is the GOP's latest attempt to limit the impact of federal rules on the private sector. Republicans say the explosion of regulations is the chief culprit behind the lackluster job growth around the country, a message the GOP appears likely to repeat up until the November midterm elections.

The GOP found scant support among Democrats for the idea, with just 10 Democrats supporting the bill in the 236-179 vote. The Senate is unlikely to consider it, and on Tuesday the Obama administration threatened to veto the bill.